Market Update

As the US-Iran conflict entered its sixth day on March 5, 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) is closely monitoring the potential economic fallout on the Eurozone. While direct exposure of European banks to Iran remains limited, indirect risks from rising energy prices and slowing growth pose a significant threat. …

The nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve could signal a dramatic shift in the U.S. central bank’s approach to interest rates, even amid rising global oil prices triggered by the conflict in Iran. If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would replace Jerome Powell when …

The latest report from the United States Department of Labor reveals that initial jobless claims remained stable at 213,000 for the week ending February 28, slightly below expectations of 215,000. This figure matches the previous week’s revised number, signaling a consistent trend in new unemployment filings.Meanwhile, the four-week moving average …

February US payrolls indicate a continued stabilization in the labor market, supporting expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain its current interest rate stance. Nonfarm payrolls (NFP) are estimated to have slowed to 60,000 new jobs in February, down from January’s unexpectedly strong gain of 130,000. Private sector jobs contribute …

U.S. stock index futures moved slightly lower on Thursday as investors remained cautious amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, despite gains on Wall Street in the previous session. As of 05:35 ET (10:35 GMT), Dow Jones Futures fell 55 points, or 0.1%, while S&P 500 Futures and Nasdaq 100 Futures …

Gold prices traded largely flat on Thursday, giving up earlier gains as the U.S. dollar rebounded, while ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to support safe-haven demand for the precious metal. By 01:31 ET (06:31 GMT), spot gold was little changed at $5,142.98 per ounce, after climbing nearly 1% …

European stocks traded lower on Thursday as investors cautiously monitored the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has now entered its sixth day and continues to fuel uncertainty across global markets. By 03:02 ET (08:02 GMT), Germany’s DAX fell 0.4%, France’s CAC 40 declined 0.4%, and the UK’s FTSE …

A widespread power outage struck most of Cuba on Wednesday, including the capital Havana, after a failure at the country’s largest thermoelectric plant, highlighting the fragile state of the island’s electricity system. State power utility Unión Eléctrica (UNE) said the blackout was triggered by an unexpected shutdown at the Antonio …

Oil prices jumped sharply in Asian trading on Thursday as the conflict in the Middle East entered its sixth day with no clear signs of de-escalation, fueling fears of significant supply disruptions from one of the world’s most critical energy-producing regions. By 01:01 ET (06:01 GMT), Brent crude futures rose …

Global markets are entering a critical phase as investors brace for the release of the U.S. non-farm payrolls report for February. Despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, employment data remains one of the most powerful drivers of market sentiment, shaping expectations for economic momentum and future interest-rate decisions.The …